Are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome interfering with your life? Are you tired of constantly wearing wrist braces to no prevail? Are none of the traditional methods working? If so, you may need to resort to carpal tunnel surgery. However, if you're concerned about the procedure, you will be pleased to know that the carpal tunnel surgery recovery process is often very simple indeed.
In order to understand carpal tunnel surgery recovery, first you should know what causes carpal tunnel and how the surgery can fix it. Carpal tunnel is commonly caused when there is too much pressure on the median nerve, which is located in your wrist. This can be caused by a variety of different things, including swelling due to broken bones, pregnancy, arthritis, or diabetes. The most common cause, however, is poor posture in the workplace.
Carpal tunnel surgery is a procedure that relieves the pressure put on the median nerve. Doctors do this by cutting a precise incision into the underside of your wrist or palm. The surgery itself is very simple and doesn't take long. The carpal tunnel surgery recovery time is usually no more than a month or so. Here are a few tips on what to do while you rest up.
It may seem obvious, but it is crucial that you report any strange sensations or intense pain to your doctor the moment you realize it. While strong pain is normal during the first week or so after surgery, it should fade as your body adjusts. If you have any doubts whatsoever, call your doctor as soon as you can to ensure no complications arise.
Limit your activity during your carpal tunnel surgery recovery, at least for the first few weeks. Many doctors will recommend that you elevate your hands above chest level to reduce the chance of swelling. After the first week or two, the doctor will remove the sutures. In most cases you will be fitted with a brace to keep your wrists still as you heal.
Make sure to exercise your hands as you heal. By all means, do not over exert yourself, but doing gentle fists and finger flexing exercises will keep your muscles from atrophying. In time, your hands will become stronger and you will eventually be able to go back to your everyday activities, all without the crippling symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Consult your doctor today about what to do during your carpal tunnel surgery recovery period.
